While the Calgary Flames first three picks in the 2026 NHL Draft will allow them to choose between some great prospects, late in the second round is when Craig Conroy and the scouting department will truly go to work.
No. 51 overall is still relatively early in the draft, and teams don't need the deepest scouting groups to find good players here, but the difference between finding a potential All-Star and an AHL flop can change the future of an NHL franchise.
Whether or not that happens for the Flames here, only time will tell, but with the draft kicking off on Friday, we've named five interesting players to watch out for when the Flames take the podium at No. 51.
5. C Blake Zielinski
Under Craig Conroy, the Calgary Flames have seemingly made a surprise, off the wall pick that many see as a reach initially, and in 2026, that could be centre Blake Zielinski, who has spent the last two seasons in the USHL. While the numbers don't scream domination, the 6-foot-0, 190 pound centre has been consistently improving, finishing the 2025/26 season with 25 goals and 55 points in 53 games played.
The offensive game for Zielinski is very limited, with questionable creativity and shot selection, but for a team like Calgary that wants a centre to play a 200ft game, he could be a steal at No. 51 overall. While the scoring may be a question mark, Zielinski is a high level playmaker, and although the ceiling is likely a 3C in the NHL, at the end of the second round the Flames can afford to take a chance on a players potential development.
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